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6/21/2013 2:57:14 PM

Return Flows Vital to Platte River Success

The North Platte River is holding its own in the Panhandle, thanks to its tributaries, and soon-to-be return flows from irrigation. The gains from these sources will increase the river’s volume enough to at least partially supply irrigators downstream as far as Lewellen. According to Tom Hayden, superintendent of the Nebraska Water Office at Bridgeport, a lot will hinge on return flows from the major irrigation canals, once they begin running this weekend. Click here for more.

Lower Republican NRD Pays for Water Purchase Loan

The Lower Republican Natural Resources District will make a final payment to the state for its share of a 2007 loan to purchase water from irrigation districts. LRNRD General Manager Mike Clements said the NRD board approved the $1.48 million payment at its meeting Thurs., June 20 in Alma. In 2007, the Upper, Middle and Lower Republican NRDs purchased water from Republican Basin irrigation districts to send to Kansas for Republican River Compact compliance. When a lawsuit halted the NRDs' plans to issue bonds, the state loaned them about $8.5 million to pay the irrigation districts. Click here for more.

Comedians Visit Nebraska, Get Farm Tour

Chevy Chase may not have been there. But Bruce and Connie Zimmerman’s farm north of Battle Creek definitely could have been dubbed the “Funny Farm” on Fri., June 22. Comedians involved in this week’s 2013 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival were treated to a visit to the Zimmerman farm — lunch and then a hayrack ride to talk about pivot irrigation, crops and farming equipment. Click here for more.